This is a pretty nice review of Mass Effect 2. One of the things I really like about it is you stepped back and gave an honest re-assessment of some of the mechanics from the first game following your experiences with the new tightened gameplay. As someone who felt that the combat was underwhelming and the rover parts were boring, I find myself thinking that there's a good chance I'll enjoy the sequel more even if I'm reading a review by someone who absolutely loved the original game.

Thanks, and I'm glad that angle worked. I wouldn't blame anyone for not liking ME1, and in fact it's difficult to explain why I love it so much. I did want to ensure, though, that my praise towards ME2 isn't just the fanboy talking -- the game really is that good.

The extent to which BioWare listened in on complaints reminds me of Ubisoft Montreal's stellar work on Assassin's Creed II, actually.

I thought the opening was a bit weak, but otherwise a stellar review. (b^_^)b

(hurr hurr see what I did thar?)

It's interesting that you mention the stolen borrowed Gears of War gunplay as a plus. Any other game I'd mark down for that, but I agree that ME2 makes it work. Perhaps because it's not trying to pretend it's original and groundbreaking and fucking it up by trying to reinvent it. Conclusion: Borrowing gameplay mechanics is perfectly alright, so long as you don't try to reinvent the wheel or dress it up as your idea.

Also, Armin Shimerman ftw. I like that he's the voice of half the salarians in the galaxy.